VCM vs. Limestone University

Comparable Facts

Compare VanderCook College of Music in Chicago, IL with Limestone University in Gaffney, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Limestone University is larger than VCM based on total student enrollment (1,807 students vs. 323 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• VanderCook College of Music is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Limestone University is in Gaffney, SC (Distant Town setting).
• VanderCook College of Music is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Limestone University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: VanderCook College of Music 5:1; Limestone University 11:1.

VCM vs. Limestone University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VCM or Limestone University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Limestone University than VCM ($19,369 vs. $21,306).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Limestone University are 20% lower than at VanderCook College of Music ($11,210 vs. $14,008).
• VanderCook College of Music is 11.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Limestone University (about $3,110 more per year; $30,910.00 vs. $27,800.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.2% higher at VCM than at Limestone University (about $3,110 more per year; $30,910.00 vs. $27,800.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at VanderCook College of Music than at Limestone University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by VanderCook College of Music students is 8.4% larger than aid received by Limestone University students ($23,317 vs. $21,504).

VCM vs. Limestone University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, VCM or Limestone University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Limestone University and VCM.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Limestone University (1070) is 40 points higher than at VCM (1030).
• Incoming Limestone University students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 17 at VCM).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 890/1160; Limestone University 980/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: VanderCook College of Music 15/20; Limestone University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: VCM - Test optional; Limestone University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCM Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Limestone University students have a 0.32 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at VCM (3.1).
• Limestone University has a higher acceptance rate (97.3%) than VCM (89.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.1% at VCM vs. 11.4% at Limestone University.

VCM vs. Limestone University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VCM and Limestone University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• VanderCook College of Music's six-year graduation rate (45%) is higher than Limestone University's (39%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, VanderCook College of Music graduates have a $250 lower median loan debt than Limestone University graduates ($27,000 vs. $27,250).
• Among borrowers, VCM graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Limestone University graduates ($279 vs. $281).
• More VCM graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Limestone University students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 36%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.